Domestic violence is a ‘public health crisis’: state GOP.

​Assembly Republicans called domestic violence a “statewide public health crisis” — and vowed to push for some creative reforms in a report released on Tuesday. The plan would increase enforcement and penalties against abusers and allow courts to extend orders of protection by two years, only requiring a written justification for the extensions. It also...

Time: 19:11&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp&nbsp Date: 23.01.2018

The plan would increase enforcement and penalties against abusers and allow courts to extend orders of protection by two years, only requiring a written justification for the extensions.

It also suggests giving victims panic buttons, similar to those used by the elderly, to send notice when they need help.

Finally, it suggests that by helping shelter pets, the state could encourage victims to flee abusers.

“Many times, individuals choose to stay in abusive homes in fear of leaving their pets and many shelters do not allow non-service animals to stay there,” said Assemblyman Dean Murray of Long Island. “Our plan would provide assistance to shelters, not-for-profits, family and friends that would temporarily care for a victim’s pets.”

Though Assembly Republicans don’t have the power to choose which laws come up for votes in their Democratic-controlled chamber, a similar report they released on the opioid epidemic helped push several state reforms through last year.

There were 45,000 domestic violence assaults reported in New York state in 2016 — the most recent year statistics were available.